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Friday, June 24, 2011

With the Classic just a few weeks away, if you are planning to do the race, you should be mostly prepared by now.Your physical training should be done and you should rest as much as possible the last couple weeks.Short runs and hikes and very mild exercise should be your goal.Aim for as little stress as possible.

I’m not the race director so I don’t know the exact number of entries but based on the number of requests for information I’ve received, it looks there are an unprecedented number of rookies that are interested.

Use the remaining couple of weeks before the race to prepare yourself mentally.The anticipation is bound to be intense but you can use and direct the nervous anxiety to prepare yourself.Accept who you are and where you are at this point in your life.Center yourself.This may sound a little dramatic and new age-ish but if you don’t think about it now, you will in the middle of the race as doubts fill your mind and you question why you started.There’s nothing like a hundred or so miles of true wilderness to amplify your personality flaws.

Anyway, back to centering yourself.Meditation, yoga and tai chi are all excellent ways to center your mind and keep your body limber.Spend part of your meditation time clearing and slowing your mind by focusing only on your breathing.The rest of the time visualize yourself in the race overcoming difficulties.It’s most helpful to imagine the feelings and emotions you will encounter.For example:imagine how cold and tired you will be and the despair that comes along with it.Then spend several minutes feeling how satisfied, competent and proud you are when you continue hiking through the cold, exhaustion and feelings of hopelessness.

Most of all visualize yourself as confident, competent and making intelligent, safe choices. You don't have anything to prove, just enjoy the experience and the journey.